Today saw something Saints fans did not experience last year until December. The Saints lost today. Not only did the Saints lose, they lost to the Atlanta Falcons. Fortunately for me I did not see the game as I was involved in several activities related to the diaconate. But I know the results. I know the Saints made too many mistakes, including two uncharacteristic Drew Brees interceptions that appear to be on him. And I know they made it to overtime and put together a great drive that set up kicker Garret Hartley in great shape for a chip shot field goal. And he missed it; not even close. It was an ugly kick. And the door was opened wide and the Falcons walked right through it. Right down the field they marched and a field goal attempt for them resulted in a hard fought, well-deserved victory.
Early on in this football season Saints fans should know this ain't last year. Every game, including the two wins, has been tough. First, other teams are giving us their all and second, the Saints look far from the form that made 2009 special. But it's time to put this in perspective.
The season is early and we will see what the Saints do with the reality of their three game season so far. After all, this is basically the same team that won the Super Bowl coached by the same staff. I would hope that all of us should trust both Drew Brees and Sean Payton at this stage of the game. 2010 won't be easy. Super Bowl champs of recent memory don't too well the following season. That does not mean the team got suddenly bad; it just means defending a NFL championship is a herculean task.
Many Saints fans have disappointed me today because their reaction has been awful. I understand this was a tough loss, and we lost to a hated rival, and we should have won the game save the Hartley debacle on the FG attempt. But we have that Super Bowl banner now and forever. And we still have a great team with great coaches. And, in the end, it's still about execution and excellence on the field. Execution and excellence both need some improvement this year but we should have the team to make it happen.
So do not give up or give in to despair Saints fans. We lost; lose it with dignity. After all we are still the World Champions and we can do it again if we return to that high level of football execution.
Relax and cheer the Saints on and remember, it's just one loss and it is still a game!
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